My Game of the Week features a Suburban One League Continental Conference clash between two teams looking to build momentum early in the season. The Cheltenham Panthers (1-2) travel to Walt Snyder Stadium to face the Golden Hawks (2-1) in a matchup that pits a resurgent passing attack against a defense that's starting to find its stride. Kickoff is set for Friday at 7 p.m.—don't miss this one as both squads aim to make a statement in conference play.
Cheltenham Panthers @ Council Rock South
Walt Snyder Stadium | Friday September 12 | 7pm
62 Swamp Road, Newtown, Pennsylvania 18940
The Team Deets:
Head Coach: Terrence Tolbert (1st Season)
League & Conference: SOL-Continental
Season Record: (2-1, 0-0)
Last Week: Defeated Neshaminy 38-29
Panther Notables: Cheltenham started the year with a pair of tough non-conference losses but roared back with a stunning 38-29 upset over previously unbeaten Neshaminy last week. The Redskins had blanked their first two opponents by a combined 71-0, but the Panthers' aerial assault proved too much, racking up big plays through the air. Junior wide receiver Carsen Giddiens was the star of the show, hauling in two touchdown receptions to spark the comeback. With a balanced offense now clicking, Cheltenham enters conference play hungry to prove that win was no fluke. Their defense, which notched seven sacks against Neshaminy, will need to bring that pressure if they want to slow down the Hawks' ground game. Panthers Head Coach Terrence Tolbert emphasized a steady approach as his team rides the high of their Neshaminy upset:
On keeping the momentum going against South's defense: "Our preparation for every opponent is the same methodical approach. Execution is the key to being successful. Along with in-game adjustments."
On the keys to their high-powered passing attack: "The key to our passing attack starts up front with the O-line’s Pass Protection. Our coaches do a good job of recognizing from film. However, teams get creative with blitz packages. Everyone has to be focused to get the job done."
On his pick for featured student-athletes of the week: "I would say the featured athletes this week would be the whole O-Line. We can only go as far as they take us. LT Justin Cowens, LG Chris Nelson, C Jason Crabbe, RG Josiah Peeler, RT Ishmael Niangane."
To get the inside scoop from the men in the trenches, I reached out to RG Josiah Peeler, who spoke on behalf of the entire unit:
On what it takes to keep winning big games like the Neshaminy upset as conference play begins:
"Trust. One thing we need to keep doing to win games like that is trusting one another. We had to put a lot of trust in a sophomore who was starting for the first time in his high school career. It was nerve-wracking not only for him but for us as well. Still, that trust allowed us to overcome Neshaminy’s defense and prevail."
On how to handle a shocking Golden Hawks team that nearly upset North Penn: "Communication. Every team says communication matters, but you don’t really understand how important it is until you go up against a disciplined defensive line. They move when the ball moves, execute stunts well, and play until the whistle. To compete, we have to stay square, identify our assignments, and execute. It’ll be a good game, but I wouldn’t go into it with any other set of linemen."
On their absolute GameDay must-haves: "I believe there are two things you absolutely need on game day, good food and fun. The food you eat before a game can be the difference between performing just 'good' or performing excellent. Luckily, our parents always feed us before games, and that fuel helps us execute. The second is fun. If you’re not having fun playing football, then you’re doing it wrong. Who wants to play a sport where they can’t enjoy themselves? Not me. When you’re having fun, you perform better, your team performs better, and that’s what helps win games."
The Panthers' O-line—Cowens, Nelson, Crabbe, Peeler, and Niangane—has been the unsung heroes, paving the way for that explosive passing game while showing the trust and communication that'll be tested Friday.
Head Coach: CJ Szydlik (4th Season)
League & Conference: SOL-Continental
Season Record: (2-1, 0-0)
Last Week: Defeated Pennsbury 20-6
Golden Hawk Notables: C.R. South bounced back from a heartbreaking 21-14 loss to North Penn a week prior by dominating Pennsbury 20-6 behind a stout defensive effort that held the Falcons to just six points—their first score all season. Running back Shane Myers led the backfield charge with 95 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown, while also snagging a score on a 24-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Marley Emerson. The win snapped a grueling 12-game losing streak against Pennsbury that dated back to 2010, marking just the second victory in 23 meetings between the programs. The Golden Hawks' defense forced two key turnovers in the first half to build a 20-0 lead, and their balanced attack is starting to click at the perfect time.
I caught up with Golden Hawks Head Coach CJ Szydlik earlier this week, and here's what he shared ahead of the matchup: On handling Cheltenham's potent passing game after their upset win over Neshaminy: "We’re gonna learn from our experience playing them last year and try to limit their opportunities getting the ball in open space."
On the keys to unlocking his offense against the Panthers: "Be more balanced with our offense and take advantage of opportunities that present themselves in the passing game."
On his pick for featured student-athlete of the week: "It would be easy to say Nate [Szydlik] with him returning this week, but I’m going with Anthony Cimino (DL/OL). He continues to get better every week."
To dive deeper into the Hawks' defensive mindset, I reached out to Cimino himself, who's earning this week's spotlight for his relentless improvement and leadership up front:
On mindset and preparation against a talented Cheltenham squad fresh off their Neshaminy win: "They had a great game against Neshaminy but I don’t view their win as an upset. They have extremely athletic and talented players on both sides of the ball and they made big plays and took advantage of Neshaminy’s mistakes. My mindset going into this game is to be physical and attack them head on. The defensive line will need to apply pressure and dominate the line of scrimmage to give them as little time as possible to take deep shots down the field. And hopefully force bad passes to allow our defensive backs to make plays on the ball giving them as little possessions as possible and limiting their scoring opportunities with their explosive offense."
On his key role as a captain and the season's highlight so far: "As a captain, my job is to help keep all my teammates focused on the task at hand during practice, and prepare them to play against a talented roster who can score on any given play. And my highlight of the season so far was the hard fought game against North Penn. I do not believe in 'good losses' as we head into every game believing we’re gonna win. It didn’t just show us but showed the entire league that CR South can play with the best of them. And we are going to prove we are among the best teams in the SOL."
On his GameDay must-haves: "A must have for me on game day is definitely my AirPods to help get me focused on the game and remain calm, and my LMNT and Recover 180 which are my favorite electrolyte drinks to help me play both sides of the ball without cramping. Along with all of that I need to pray before a game. Playing football is a blessing and being able to stay healthy is all thanks to God for protecting me. So before every game, I go to a quiet place and thank him for everything he has done and ask him for protection for me and my teammates."
